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Heathlands

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What are heathland ecosystems?

Heathlands are characterised by dense, low shrubs with scattered, twisted trees – a function of the harshness of the environment where they occur.

They support a very high floral diversity, a large number of small mammals and rich bird life. They are widespread in Victoria, particularly near the coast and in the south-west.

Heathland facts

  • Occur where drainage is poor so distribution is often patchy
  • Soils have extremely low levels of nutrients
  • Dominated by tough, hard leaved plants and terrestrial orchids - many are rare or threatened in the state.

Threats

Fire is a fundamental environmental factor. Fire allows regeneration of many small ground layer species, however fire regimes that are too infrequent or too large in scale pose a major threat to this ecosystem.

Heathlands support more than 80 species of birds and small marsupials such as dunnarts, bandicoots and potoroos and mammals such as the Swamp Rat and New Holland Mouse, which are prone to predation by foxes.

Heathlands are also particularly prone to Phytophthora cinnamomi (a fungal dieback) and invasion by woody native species

Where do I find heathlands?

Find out more

Deptartment of Sustainability and Environment – Distribution map and information about the different types of heathlands found in Victoria.

What's on

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Heartlands Refugee Fine Art Prize 2011 Winner’s Solo Exhibition

16 Feb 2012 10:00am - 15 Apr 2012 5:00pm

Artist Ma Late, winner of the 2011 Heartlands Refugee Fine Art Prize, will bring her first solo exhibition to the Point Nepean National Park from 16 February – 15 April 2012. The exhibition will be held in the Point Nepean Information Centre, open from 10.00am to 5.00pm daily Originally from Burma, Ma Late spent twenty …

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Mountain Bike Orienteering

25 Feb 2012 5:00pm-6:30pm

Mountain Bike Orienteering Event. 75 minute score event starting at Flinders Peak car park. Maps supplied with marked course.

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Green Walks in the Park - Woodlands Historic Park

28 Feb 2012 10:00am-11:30am

Explore new green spaces each month with guided Green Walks in different parks across Victoria. Green Walks in the Park is a fun and active way to spend time with family and friends in parklands and open spaces. The walks are free and suitable for all ages. Green Walks in …

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Monthly Flying Fox Count

7 Mar 2012 7:30pm-8:30pm

The bat count is held once a month at dusk when the whole colony of 10,000 -20,000 bats fly out to feed around Melbourne’s suburbs. New counters are very welcome and much appreciated. Experience is not necessary as training is provided on the night. Wear comfortable shoes for walking, dress …